Italy’s Under-17 side banished the ghosts of last year’s semi-final heartbreak by defeating Spain 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Tallinn, booking their place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship final. Goalkeeper Lupo was the undisputed hero, saving one penalty in regulation time and two more in the shootout, as Daniele Franceschini’s Azzurrini set up a showdown with Belgium on Sunday, 7 June at 19:00.
This victory carries profound emotional weight for a group still scarred by their exit at the same stage in 2025, when Portugal eliminated them on spot-kicks. Reaching the final for the fifth time in the competition’s history – and a first since 2019 – underscores the resilience of this generation and the excellent work being done within the Italian youth setup.
The match ignited in the 28th minute when Italy defender Bonifazi was adjudged to have fouled Imga inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot, but Lupo guessed correctly, diving low to his right to deny the Bilbao youngster and keep the score blank. Just over ten minutes later, fortune swung the other way: Spain captain Mario Diaz handled a shot from Croci, and the Fiorentina forward stepped up to rifle the penalty into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Spain emerged after the interval with renewed intent, pinning Italy deep for long stretches. The woodwork came to the Azzurrini’s rescue in the 71st minute when Alves’ header crashed back off the post. It seemed only a matter of time before the dam burst, and it finally did in the 78th minute. Lupo produced a stunning reflex save to deny Urrestarazu’s header, but the rebound fell kindly for the same player, who reacted quickest to stab home the equaliser.
Italy’s attacking forays were scarce, but Landi nearly snatched a winner five minutes from time with a curling effort reminiscent of Alessandro Del Piero, only to see the ball slide agonisingly wide. With the score locked at 1-1 after 80 minutes, the tie went directly to penalties – the same stage that had crushed Italian dreams a year earlier.
This time, however, Lupo seized the spotlight. After Dattilo and Casagrande converted confidently, the goalkeeper repelled efforts from Ian and Alves, giving Rocca the chance to seal a 4-2 shootout triumph. The midfielder made no mistake, sparking scenes of jubilation among players and staff.
“We never stopped believing, even when they pushed us back,” Franceschini said afterwards. “Lupo was extraordinary, but the whole team showed incredible character. We wanted to right the wrong of 2025.” The sentiment was echoed by the match-winner Rocca, who admitted: “When I walked up, I just thought about all the work we’ve done. This is for everyone back home.”
Tactically, Italy’s defensive organisation in the second half – despite the pressure – deserves credit. Spain’s fluid rotations stretched the Azzurrini horizontally, but the backline held its shape, funneling shots from wide areas and forcing the Spanish to rely on crosses. When the equaliser came, it was more a product of individual brilliance than structural collapse.
The reward is a meeting with a gifted Belgium side that has glided through the tournament with an attacking flair reminiscent of their senior counterparts. For Italy, lifting a first U17 European title since 2019 would not only avenge past shortcomings but also reinforce the pathway from youth to senior levels that has produced talents like Nicolò Barella and Gianluigi Donnarumma in recent years.
With the match being broadcast live on RaiSport, a nation will be watching to see if these teenagers can write their names into history. Regardless of the outcome, their journey through adversity – from last year’s tearful exit to this shootout catharsis – has already made this a campaign to remember.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.